Minister for Industry and Science facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Minister for Industry and Science
Flag of Australia
Commonwealth Coat of Arms
Incumbent Ed Husic since 1 June 2022 (2022-06-01)
Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Style	The Honourable
Appointer	Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Australia
Inaugural holder	John Latham (as Minister for Industry) Alexander McLachlan (as Minister in charge of Development and Scientific and Industrial Research)
Formation	10 December 1928 (1928-12-10) (industry) 6 January 1932 (1932-01-06) (science)

The Minister for Industry and Science is an important job in the Australian Government. This person is part of the government's main team, called the cabinet. Right now, Ed Husic holds this position. He started on June 1, 2022, after the Australian federal election.

The minister works with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. This department helps them manage everything related to industry, science, and resources in Australia.

What Does the Minister Do?

The Minister for Industry and Science helps Australia grow stronger. They support businesses, encourage new inventions, and promote scientific discoveries. Their work helps create jobs and improves life for everyone.

Who Helps the Minister?

The minister works with many different groups and organizations. These groups help with research, education, and making sure industries follow rules.

Important Groups They Work With

As of 2013, some of the key groups that help the minister include:

• Australian Institute of Marine Science: They study our oceans and marine life.
• Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation: They do research using nuclear science and technology.
• Australian Qualifications Framework: This helps make sure education and training are recognized across Australia.
• Australian Research Council: They fund important research projects.
• Australian Skills Quality Authority: They check the quality of vocational training.
• Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency: They help improve skills for workers.
• CSIRO: This is Australia's national science agency, doing lots of research.
• Geoscience Australia: They study Australia's geography and natural resources.
• IP Australia: They protect new inventions and trademarks.
• National Advisory for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: They advise on higher education and job skills.
• Office of the Chief Scientist: This office gives scientific advice to the government.
• Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency: They make sure universities and colleges offer good quality education.

The Australian Space Agency also opened in Adelaide in February 2020. This agency helps Australia explore space and develop space technology.

Past Ministers for Industry

Many people have held the job of Minister for Industry, or similar roles, over the years. This table shows who they were and when they served.

In April 2021, Scott Morrison was also appointed as Minister for Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. This was done by the Governor-General based on Morrison's own advice. Both Morrison and Christian Porter held the Minister for Industry role until September 2021. Then, Morrison and Angus Taylor held it until May 2022. However, the public didn't know about Morrison's extra appointment until August 2022.

Past Ministers for Science

Since 1931, there have been ministers in charge of scientific research in Australia. This includes the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIRO) and other groups. In 1963, John Gorton was given responsibility for science and education.